Aug 22
Man Utd v Wigan
Will be a very short preview this. I think a lot has already been said post-Burnley that all we can hope for is a response from the side. We travel to Wigan who under Roberto Martinez are committed towards playing a positive, attacking brand of football. On the plus side, it means we should find more space when we have possession. However, a depleted defence could be under severe pressure if Martinez’s tactics work.
Speaking of which, Rio Ferdinand will now be out for a month. This is a worrying trend. Ferdinand from the second half last season was stricken with a lot of niggling injuries, be it his back or groin and I am a bit more worried about his increased propensity at picking up these injuries. Jonny Evans also spoke about the likelihood of undergoing surgery on a troublesome ankle, which means we will be without our main centre backs. However, for now, Vidic will return and Evans will play through the pain. Brown is also thereabouts and O’Shea floats in and about.
I would like Richie de Laet to get a start at right back with Vida and Evans in the centre. Evra would take his customary left back berth. Carrick and Fletcher will play in midfield, with Valencia on one wing and if Nani is fit he’ll be on the other. Up front it will once again be Berbatov and Rooney. Ferguson admitted that his strikers haven’t been upto much and they need to step it up.
I will end this preview here.
Prediction: 2-0 to United.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Sky Sports Fixture Update
- United 4-0 Wigan: The Goals Are Coming!
- Man Utd Blog 2007/2008 Home Kit
- The need for a right-back and a forward | Title race blown open
Tags: Site News
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:28
If you can’t watch this game on tv you can try Wigan United live streams
Hope United will win today!
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:41
Team prediction:
Fuzzy
Sheasy Evony Viddy Evvy
Vally Fletchy Andy Nany
Roony Berby
Hoping for a win, as Ive gone through hell and heaven since our defeat against Burnely. Its gonna be a tough one, just remember our last two visits at the JJB. 2-1 to win the title in the last minute, then 2-0 with Giggsy scoring right at the death. Its gonna be hard, but I expect a United win. And hopefully Valencia can put up a good performance against his old team.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:11
The whole team need to “step it up”
my prediction 2:1 to united but it´s gonna be tough.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:16
The team i want played:
Foster
De laet Evans Vidic Evra
Valencia Carrick gibson Nani
Rooney Owen
This teams the shit.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:28
I hope fergie includes more attacking options on the bench.the last thing i want to see is neville coming on when we are down one goal to nil. Kiko and welbeck should be on the bench
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:31
If we started with a midfield of
Oshea Scholes Giggs Park
nobody would be suprised…
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:38
@Footy4Eddy: agree with your lineup whole wholeheartedly mate!
Hopefully Ando steps it up today and Berba gets on the scoresheet. Forget the scoreline, hopefully we play an attacking game and try to boss Wigan. Only that should wipe out the memories of the last game after the limp toothless display we put up there.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:12
Id go with
Foster-O’Shea, Evans, Vidic, Evra-Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani-Rooney, Berbatov
We need a good win so we should play as close to our best XI as possible. Now is not the time to try out new central midfield partnerships or give Premier League games to inexperienced youngsters like De Laet or Gibson. As much as possible we should play a team with experience of playing with each other.
Take the defence I listed. With the exception of Foster, that defence kept half a dozen clean sheets last season.
We don’t really have a good central midfield partnership but Fletcher and Carrick are at least in their prime and will give us some stability in the middle so that Valencia and Nani can give us penetration on the flanks.
Id start with Rooney and Berbatov but Id take Berbatov off at the sixty minute mark to give Owen thirty minutes to run at a tiring Wigan defence.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:54
Tosic looks the shit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBqoUUMYHvI&feature=player_embedded
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:55
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBqoUUMYHvI&feature=player_embedded
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:47
@Dan: Personally I think Tosic has the skill to play for United. He needs to bulk up slightly however. I hope he gets some games this year.
August 22nd, 2009 at 13:24
A quick plea to the United Players, whoever is playing today! Before you go out on the pitch have a look at that crest on your shirt and know the privilege that bestows the wearer. Now go out and play like you understand that please
August 22nd, 2009 at 13:28
@phoenix red: Amen!
August 22nd, 2009 at 13:58
Yo, lads! What do ya think of my poem/rap?
Hi, my name is Eddy and I come from Norway
When you see my pumping muscles you will scream out: NO WAY!!!
The guys are jealous, but I dont care cause chicks are what I dig
They come to me and ask me if I wanna be their pig
I told them they could fuck off cause theres only one I like
She`s got blonde hair, DAMN I tell you I am so ready to strike!
She stares at me, then blushes and then plays with her hair
But I dont care that she is shy cause she is lovely and fair
Her eyes are blue, her skin is soft and her ass is so tight!
Dude, dont get me wrong I want her for more than one night
The time is right, I gotta pounce but should I wait longer?
Well, FUCK IT cause my love only gets stronger and stronger!
AM I PRO OR WHAT?!?!?!!?!
August 22nd, 2009 at 13:58
fergie has all but presented a public ultimatum to his strikers, in particular berbatov and owen, fair dues about owen he’s played less than two games and all he needs is his first goal ( i hope) and then he’ll be on his way, that and not having Cappellos eyes burning a hole in the back of his head might help. but Berbatov really needs to step up, especially if you think, as fergie may be doing that he had to pay the most he ever has for this underwelhming bulgarian with a good touch, whilst only a month or so ago he called off his pursuit of Benzema citing it was too much ( personally i think benzema would have ended up at Real even if we had upped the price) but what really concerned me against Burnley was Rooneys wild shooting from anywhere and everywhere despite a wall of claret and blue in front of him each time. i want berbatov and rooney to start this game up front, but i would even go so far as to suggest this:
Owen —— Berbatov
Nani— Fletcher—- Rooney— Valencia
Evra—- Vidic—- O’shea—- De laet (which will more likely be carrick for rooney and nevster for de laet.)
Welbeck at least on the bench please.
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:01
@Will: Rooney in midfield?!
Are you drunk mate? 
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:02
@Footy4Eddy: what.
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:03
@Footy4Eddy: i know i know it looks terrible, but im just trying to find that angry attacking midfielder we need… and it sure as hell isn’t park.
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:12
@phoenix red: This.
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:13
isn’t evans injured?
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:21
Foster
Neville
Vidic
Evans
Evra
Valencia
Fletcher
Scholes
Nani
Rooney
Berbatov
YES!!! more neville and scholes!
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:44
@Dan: I think fergie is playing them because he knows its their last season so he wants to give them as much action as possibe but i know its no excuse i mean it pisses me off more than anyone seeing players on the pitch when they know themselves that they are past it!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:50
I’m fine with Scholes in this game. He will get plenty of space and time but Neville when you have Fabio, De Laet and heck, even Sheasy available
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:53
what the hell is neville doing in the squad let alone the starting XI?
doesn’t HE realise he’s a liability?
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:56
Where are Ando and Carrick? Not even on the bench..? Weird.
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:57
Hi, anyone have any links PLEASE!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 14:59
Where in the World is
Carmen SandiegoMichael Carrick?August 22nd, 2009 at 15:04
reckon we might see Gibson get some time today?
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:08
Hrm, part of me thinks Fltech should have scored that, but at least he was in the right place…nice move…
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:09
scholes mate what is wrong. pls get a grip of urself
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:09
More great play..SCHOLES!!!
nop.
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:12
http://www.livetvfootball.com/popup_livesport1.html
eng commentry.u need sopcast to watch.on internet explorer
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:19
We’re playing well – creating chances…just need to put one away. Much better than Burnley so far.
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:30
Looks like the team is only playing with 10 men, get someone who can at least close down on, damn. It’s doing the rest of the team a disservice.
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:48
match on here
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:48
Luckily the yellow card and two fouls after it for Scholes means he should be coming off at half time. Our attackers look lively, our defence is playing well, but we may as well not have a central midfield. Again. I fear I’ll be saying this all the way till the end of the season.
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:49
match on here
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:49
Well, no goals,but we look a lot better today. Between Rooney, Scholes and Fletcher should really have taken one of those chances. But this is nothing new to us. Chins up, keep doing what we’re doing .
Oh and get Scholes off before Howard Webb takes care of that for us. He’s going to get another yellow…
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:50
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html is pretty good for me
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:54
Berba’s looking good today…
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:55
I hears during the broadcast from Setanta that Scholes has said this would be his final year. My question to Scholesy is WHY WAIT?
August 22nd, 2009 at 15:58
Nani’s crossing has been poor today…
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:00
Much better than Wednesday obviously, and we really should be a couple of goals ahead. But the problem area that is the middle of the park is again a painful thing to behold. Scholes is a liability with his consistent late tackling, and is no longer a goalthreat. Hope to see Gibson on at half-time, and a few long range efforts from same player. Vidic is a rock and Berbatov’s two brilliant touches in the first ten minutes should have won us this match already.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:02
Is it me or is it just that obvious that the real problem here is our central midfield and our lack of moving off the ball. The man with the ball has no targets to shoot for that are on the move except of course for the hard working Rooney. If everyone on that team put in a shift like Rooney we would never lose. Nani and Valencia are just standing around and dawdling with the ball. Run at opponents for Christ’s sake. And how many sitters does this band of muppets need to score a goal. Fletcher, Scholes and even Rooney miss sitters. Berbatov misses an easy header and Skinned Sausage is in behind defenders twice only to make a terrible cross and also lose the ball at his feet with no pressure. We are such rubbish but we also seem to have no luck whatsoever.
Fletcher and Scholes are a joke. Fletcher continues to make poor passes and Scholes continues to bore us to death with his large variation of diagonal and back passes. At least I have nothing bad to say about Foster so far today. Stop with the direct balls up field and start moving and passing the ball with players up front making diagonal runs into space rather than standing around in static boredom waiting for the midfielders or defenders to offer up something.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:16
Rooney!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:16
Rooney!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats how you head the ball Dimi!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:18
Fuck me what a goal.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:19
what a nice way for valencia to quite the wigan fans
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:21
Some assist by Scholesy for that berbatov goal.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:21
I think two things can be concluded from today’s match already:
1. Nico is going to tell all the Berba haters to stuff it.
2. Dan is going to tell all the Foster haters to stuff it.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:21
@phoenix red: thats how Dimi puts it in
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:22
@Red Ranter: And i think some Scholes haters is going to appreciate that superb assist…We should understand he is still the only CM we got who could do that…
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:23
another link! Pure Class from Berba! lets have some more pls
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:24
Rooney again!!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:24
Where r u Grog…..
Foster is the best in the world
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:25
Berba to ROOOOOOOONEY!!! fuckin class
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:25
I’ll take that. Dammit, I have Berba over Roon in my FF team…
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:25
Bring on Owen…
he will also add
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:26
what the hell was Kirkland doing????…great eye by rooney….that was a funny goal…
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:27
Would that be considered a Melchiot own goal or a no. 101 for rooney?
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:28
Nani had a poor game so far….
Neville has not done anything wrong so far
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:29
Vidic is the all time best centre back
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:30
Berba is enjoying now
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:32
Yeah, in Neville (and Fergie’s) defence, he’s been pretty good. Distribution and covering wise.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:34
@owen: yeh, definately feel so much more safer with him in the back line
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:34
Darren Gibson has a shot made in pure gold.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:35
Gibson is better than Gerrard
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:35
Gibson’s just on
whoaaaaaa good effort
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:38
who the fuck is this Rodallega
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:38
@owen: wigan striker. Honduran.
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:40
Now Rodallega knows why you dont mess with Vidic!!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:45
Owen, nice one son
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:45
Lovely!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:45
dammnit, lost live feed from justin.tv~!?#@~>?@?
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:46
OWWWEENNNNN!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:46
are you watchin Liverpool?
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:47
I have scored…
this is a glorious night
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:48
are we starting to click? or is wigan just really poor, and a bit unlucky?
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:51
thought the lads showed some encouraging signs during that half…..They can definitely play well together. Our first 11 is good,no doubt about it. Its just a shame that theres noone in the squad who can step up to the playe by scoring consistantly. everyone in out team look destincly jaded in fornt of goal! its been that way for some time now? ist very hard to put ur finger on the reasons for it however it is definitely an issue.
Furthermore our squad seems to have lost its depth over the summer. Yeah out first 11 is great -its just the rest of the squad that looks a little too weak & severly lacking in experience to compete in the league and europe.
Im struggling to watch scholes and giggs play this season. sorry to say it lads! To see them starting and finishing games its just mind boggling to me. Why are we using them in this manner?
Great second half…..finally a break through.
Fletcher, to me looks like a completely different man. fuckin incredible improvement Fletch. wow, iv been impressed with his performances.
once valencia and nani fully bed into their positions in the team, the link up play down both flanks is gonna be devastating.
Hopefully the goal perks Berba up oo…..great goal son.
Nani to Owen………..im in DREAM LAND
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:52
Naaaaaaaaaaani, great free kick!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:52
nani!!! just when i get feed back
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:53
Who the f@ck was that running like a madman closing down the defender?!
Berba’s on speed!
Naniii!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:54
Nani is great…
The best winger in the world
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:54
5-0, got to say, a tale of two halves! Pretty happy with the result, great hairdryer at half time, nice one Fergie!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:55
5 fooking nil!!!!!
hell yeah!!!!
WHAT A RESULT. GIBO > lampard!
August 22nd, 2009 at 16:57
“Darren Gibson has a shot made in pure gold” …….spot on Shami.
I fuckin Love Nani. This guy is top top drawer. Hes gonna prove all his doubters wrong over this season. No doubt in my mind
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:01
what a half!!
i was worried it’d be another 1-0 or so game again….
And Nani’s free kick to top it al off!
C’mon United!!!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:02
@united4life: Agreed, hope we do get to see more of him soon
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:03
so how we gonna make up for all those Ronaldo goals!?
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:20
More of the 2nd half in all matches and we are champs again for the 4th time in a row.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:26
WE ARE BACK BABY!!!
What a second half, absolutely blew Wigan apart. First half was good as well, but we miss so many FUCKING SITTERS!!!
Great header by Wazza there. You guys notice how he seems to score a lot more headers now that Ronny isnt playing? He got a few in Asia, and nearly scored one against Brum, only for it to come off the post. Now that Wazza can head, is he the ultimate striker? 
Great play, and I liked the free kick by Nani. Nice curl and swerve on it. Again, people show that they can rise to the occasion and take over Ronaldos previous duties. Its looking good…
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:26
@united4life: Honestly i believe if nani is given a good run of games he will score atleast 10 goals, get anywhere up to 20 assists and end up in the prem team of the year, all he needs is a good run of games and the fans and managers faith and he will be fine.
Today he had a quiet day overall really, yet he still ends the game with a goal from a beautiful free kick and a good assist for owen. Looking at him in the games hes played this year he has been pretty quiet in all of them but the stats do not lie. A quiet game against chelsea in the community shield yet he scored a fine goal in that. Pretty quiet against birmingham yet he creates the only goal of the goal for rooney from a great cross. So far hes played 3 games, scored twice and got 2 assists, which to me is a good little total. Must be close to what park got for the whole of last season already.
Seriously though the guy is class, im a massive fan of him yet i still hear all this crap from some fans that he should be off and park should start over him. I dont want to start that whole park/nani debate again but it seems clear to me as an attacking threat nani is 10 times the threat that park is, and at this club where really the role of a winger is to score and get assists, shouldnt that be enough to confirm nani as a starter most games.
I truly hope he gets given the chance to show what he can do, and the twp starts from a possible three is encouraging, yet i bet you any money fergie starts paek against arsenal, yes i know his work rate is commendable but stuff all that if your talking whos a better goal threat in that game and whos more likely to contribute more attacking wise theres only man to choose and its not the korean.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:31
Life after Ronaldo after all!!! Nani!! Brilliant!! Back!!! Finally!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:31
@Red Ranter: You just stole the words out of my mouth!!!
In fairness though, I thought the man of the match was none other than one Ben Foster. With a dodgy Evans, he bailed us out more than one time.
I also agree that Neville looked (surprisingly) good. Scholes was average, Nani was poor for 80 min, then came up with one assist and a goal!
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:39
Oh, and Foster was immense! Absolutely amazing performance, now we see what he can do when confident!
Go on Ben, make us proud!
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:39
Is it just me or is that whenever carrick doesnt play we seem to play better. Im not trying to say for 1 minute that scholes is a better player than carrick because i dont agree with the inclusion of scholes into the starting line up tbh, but i just feel whenever carrick isnt playing we always seem to score more goals without him.
Yes it could be that the standard of team is just piss poor but its just whenever i see carrick playing he seems to slow down the pace of the game too much for my liking. I definitely wouldnt start him against arsenal, he never stands up in the games against the top teams, fletcher will start hopefully with either giggs or anderson, ando being my choice.
I think an anderson/fletcher pairing would be pretty good, it would allow anderson to get forward a bit and do what i feel he does pretty well and that is link up the midfield with the forward line. Nani again should start on the wing with the valencia with hopefully de laet at RB if oshea has to cover CB if evans is injured.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:40
Once again you guys are blinded by Gibson one great attribute… His howitzer like shot. Apart from that he did nothing, and he is a greedy SOB too.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:46
ATTN: SAF
See what happens when you actually play people who have talent? Its about fucking time you started Nani and Valencia together. They were both instrumental thru out the game. Please no more Park, there is simply no excuse anymore(not that there ever was one).
Also Berba deserves alot of credit for his performance today, he stayed closer to the box and was had a hand in two of the goals. I am not his biggest fan as of late, but he had a great game today… Hats off to him.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:46
All I can say is that after that game I’m not so sure if Man Utd exploded or Wigan imploded. I think it’s a little of both but I have to feel relief that we finally got something going. Whatever many of you might think of me and my negative rants, I do know when to give positive credit and I do know when it’s time to at least temporarily shut up with the negative stuff.
That second half was interesting because we scored five goals but I still feel we were a little too static and slow in our movement. The difference was some very strong passing and crossing that basically handcuffed Wigan.
Everybody I’m sure is ranting and raving about the hard work of Wayne Rooney and he did show a lot of effort and heart today and was finally rewarded with two well taken goals. His header was world class and it’s a great sign because if there was one weakness over the years in Wayne’s game it was his aerial ability. I am also encouraged by his presence in the box today. Something he did not do at Burnley.
For me however, the man of the match was Dimitar Berbatov. His goal was sheer class and an indication of his exceptional talent but the two balls he laid off to Nani and then Scholes in the first half were exceptional, especially that sublime back heel to Scholes which the Ginger Grandpa made a meal out of. At least he paid Berba back later with a useful ball which Berba converted for a goal.
Which brings me to Scholes and Neville. Why were those two players playing? Why was Carrick benched again. Pat Dolan said on Setanta that it was because he missed the penalty. My God, if we are benching players now because they miss a penalty, then why wasn’t RVN or Ronaldo ever benched when they missed one? Carrick hit the penalty well but Jensen made a great save. Too bench him for that, is not fair at all. I think there is something else going on there and remember, he never dressed against Birmingham either. Scholes is just too slow and his lack of pace is affecting the rest of his game. Some hurried passes and the missed goal opportunity is something Scholes from five years ago would not have missed if he had 200 chances to try it. Sad really to see how far he has fallen in his ability to play at this level. As for Fletcher, he worked hard but he needs a partner that knows what to do with the ball. To have to central midfielders that play so static and so uninspiring from an attacking point of view is really hurt the team’s flow and pace.
That leaves me with our two wingers. Nani and Valencia had some great moments today but both need to become more aggressive and faster when on the ball. They need to attack opponents and run at them and through them. For me both were too static today but what they were able to do is deliver strong crosses. Valencia was totally static on the first goal but he is an excellent crosser and the ball met Rooney’s head perfectly. The same can be said about Nani as he delivered a couple of good crosses that were not converted.
Happy to see Michael Owen get of the snide. A great goal, well taken and a great diagonal run but much credit has to go to Nani for being patient and picking him out on that play with a great pass. That’s the kind of passing I want to see from our central midfielders. Also, I just had a feeling Nani was going to score on his second free kick. Quite often when you get two back to back like that, you learn from the first one and Nani took a lot of the second and delivered beautifully.
Now let me offer some praise and kudos to Ben Foster for having a great game. Not a lot to do but when he was called upon, he made the saves. His shot stopping when in a proper position and when he is using his feet properly is outstanding. He seems to be working hard on his distribution and his concentration and focus so that is encouraging. But lets not forget, in the last three games we have played three minnows. Against Chelsea he was horrible and there was a lot more to be nervous about. Lets see how he shows up against Arsenal before we praise him too much. Still, some outstanding saves today.
The only negative thing I have to say is that I am still very concerned about our back four. Quite often they seem disorganized and are terrible with crosses into the box. Evra and Neville were continually being caught out of position and our clearances were not great. Fortunately Fletcher’s work prevented a lot more trouble. The few chances Wigan got were because we do not challenge people and because we sag back and give them too much space. We need to be aggressive.
And finally kudos to Nemanja Vidic for bringing some old fashioned grit and blood and guts into the game. Sometimes you need to be physical and even dirty to get the other team to back off and he did his job well. Roy Keane would be proud. As for Fergie, he knows like me that nothing has changed. There is a lot of work to be done and that may have a lot to do with his unusually calm and depressed demeanor on the sidelines. His lack of enthusiasm and celebration after goals tells me he is concerned about a lot of things that may have been masked by the outcome. Make no mistake, Wigan is total horse shit and he knows it. But it was a great building point for us to gain some much needed confidence and for some players to finally feel that they have arrived and are now off and running. Well done lads but always worry, the real Grognard is just around the corner waiting to jump out and take a chunk out of you.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:50
anyone have a link for nani’s goal the stram stopped just before he scored.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:56
@Matt: That’s why his name is Nani. He puts you to sleep then he wakes you up with a moment of magic. Nani in a number of languages means sleep or a nap. Well he does do a lot of that and we do a lot of that when he has the ball. But then he wakes us all up with a few moments of genius and inspiration. You know, Cantona was like that too. Sleepwalking through a game and then in one flash he would do something that would have us talking for weeks. It’s the difference between a sublime and subtle genius and a talentless workaholic like Tevez.
August 22nd, 2009 at 17:59
I hope Evans is fit for the next game though!!
@Johnsom33m, That’s a good place to begin, innit?! A Howitzer!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:00
@johnsom33: I totally disagree with you about Gibson but am in full agreement about playing the talent. We are always going to be better with Nani and Valencia on the wings. Now imagine if we had Fletcher partnered up with a David Silva, Wesley Sneijder or a Hernanes in the center. Then we would be a lot more dangerous. Instead we get a weekly dose of Scholes and Anderson to make our hearts bleed.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:04
I still think Anderson should be given more chances, maybe a goal will set him off too.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:06
lets turn gibo into an attacking mid. with a shot like his he’ll score just as many as lampard. then we can stop complaining about goals from midfield. fletch can be the defensive mid. he does enough defensive work as it is so why the hell not.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:09
@Venu: That would mean we would have to assume that all the flaws in his overall game would just vanish in a flash and that his inner Maradona would emerge. Keep dreaming.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:12
@Grognard: We wouldnt even need those fucks if gibson was given a run of games!
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:13
@MONKWAHHDO: NO, no no! Gibson is a box to box midfielder ala keano but will score more goals!
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:14
@Johnsom33: hell make a great late sub for games when we need shooters on
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:15
Pretty quiet on here after a big win. Well I’m off to go see District 9.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:16
@Grognard: Yes thats very true and the comparison with cantona is a good one. I personally felt today for the first say 60 odd minutes nani wasnt up to much and when the substitutions were about to made i was thinking nani should maybe come off for welbeck. Thankfully though fergie left him on and he gets an assist and a goal in the last 10 minutes, which really looking at it is pretty successful for a game.
I do think every game he has played he has been a bit in and out of the game yet from the 3 games hes appeared in he has 2 goals and 2 assists which is a good total. Im sure it would take park until about christamas time to get near that total.
I do think we will need nani to get into games more instead of drifiting in and out of them and then doing some magic, we need that over 90 minutes. But thats not a major criticism really because he is still very young and with a good run of games we will see him improve.
If he gets a good 40 games this season i am positive he will get about 10 goals and anywhere from 15 to 20odd assists which is pretty damn good for a left winger. I just hope ferguson persists with him but ive got a real bad feeling we will go back to playing park against arsenal on the wing which i dont think is going to do wonders to nanis confidence levels.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:16
@Grognard,
!! Maybe I am being optimistic but Hey people were slagging Fletcher off for such a long time, and now!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:19
@Venu: “I still think Anderson should be given more chances, maybe a goal will set him off too.”
+1
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:22
@Grognard: feck his inner maricokehead… the boy will come good on his own he doesnt need to bring out a overweight vollyball player in himself.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:23
@Grognard: see the bastards instead DUDE
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:42
@Dan: he doesn’t have the skill for box-box work. nor does he have pace. at the moment fletcher is box-box ‘ing it but he lacks skill too. Fletch would do well to be that annoying mid that just seems to get in the oppositions faces. That would mean we could have Gibo making the trade mark scholes’esc shots and killer passes into the strikers.
Just a Thought.
Plus fletch is nasty when he tackles not the cleanest tacklers we have so players will want to avoid him.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:56
@MONKWAHHDO: You dont need “skill” to be a good box to box player
You need to be a good defender, a good attacker and an able passer of the ball, like gibson is, like keano was.
August 22nd, 2009 at 18:58
@Grognard: Im just happy that I can finally watch the premiership in HD. I am so glad ESPN got some of the rights, because cheap ass fox refuses to switch to HD. Honestly the quality of the picture on FSC is one notch above a Sopcast stream. Its fucking 2009 and any network that isnt full HD should be ashamed of themselves.
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:06
@Johnsom33:
Agree. He could have released a striker on a one-on-one – think it was Berbatov – but went once again for the selfish howlitzer.
But once again he nearly scored!
But then again he did squat apart from his shots…
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:10
I think Galls is gonna win the golden boot this year…
How many goals has he scored so far? 3?
quite prolific
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:12
Gallas*
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:22
And whats wrong with berba? He was celebrating like a maniac…
That’s so not like him… I wish Nani stops doing those summersaults.
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:30
@AndyCR7: Worst thing is two of his three goals were accidental/hit him in the face!
What a goalgetter!!! 
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:32
@AndyCR7: Berbatoc has gotten a lot of stick lately, so his celebration didnt surprise me—-Well, at least not so much. Still, it looks funny when Berbs goes Bananas!
He should do it more often…
As for Nani, I wish he could do more summersaults. Do them all over the pitch, try to break the World record of footballers summersaults!
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:35
Gibbo shoots like fuck!!! Damn, I sure wouldnt like to be a goalie with him less than 40 yards from goal. To be honest, from what I have seen his tecnique is exeptional! I would actually go as far as saying his long shots are the best in the Premier League!
Better than Lampard, Gerrard, Scholes and Ballack. He has tremendous power, and usually hits the target.
Dont think he should be a regular starter just yet, he seems a little too immature in his decisions these days… And except for his shot, he doesnt do much to be honest… Dont get me wrong, he can pass, tackle and is strong, but if you compare them to his shooting they are shit!
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:41
WOW !
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:45
@vnikosv: WOW!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:46
Well a good score to ease the midweek frustration. 5 goals, out of which 4 were superb.
Now, I dunno if it’s just me.. but most of the game was sooooo slow!! And although I’d love to join the bandwagon as say ‘we’re back baby’.. much of the performance indicated we’re miles off of where we should be in terms of build up play or defence (except Vidic). I mean we were caught in a soup so many times.. and we didn’t concede only cuz firstly Vidic was around and secondly cuz Wigan don’t have A grade players. A Chelsea or Arsenal team could have easily stuck past 3 or 4 against us if they were presented the same opportunities as Wigan did. Hopefully we’ll cover these areas soon.
Also.. I remember that for the most part, that Wigan midfielder guy Gomez just did as he bloody pleased. He looked very cool no matter who was around him or who harried him..and he showed some good passing ability and vision.. looks to be a good player I say.
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:55
@AndyCR7: Nanis summersault celebrations are sick mate, best celebration at the club, wish i could do them tbh.
@Footy4Eddy: As for gibbo he does have a great shot him and i agree with you he probably does have the best shot around in the league. Maybe scholes in his prime is the only one ive seen who could hit a shot that sweet but right now gibson is probably the best.
Like you say though he does need to improve on other aspects of his game, his passing imo is a little poor and his positioning at times seems off aswell, but on the plus side his shooting and tackling seems good so theres a platform to build on. I think long term he could be a squad player here but i just dont see him ever forcing his way to a starting role if im honest. None the less at this time when our midfield is so poor he could be a very useful player for us, i would like to see him get a good few games this year anyway.
August 22nd, 2009 at 19:57
Great performance by Berbatov , Scholes , Nani , Rooney , Evra .
Ben Foster needs to step it up . He must improve his positions . Neville is useful in easy games like this one .
Fletcher has some nice moves off the ball but needs
August 22nd, 2009 at 20:07
@vnikosv: but needs….????
August 22nd, 2009 at 20:07
@vnikosv: FFS, even Grognard acknowledged that Foster had a great game!
He didn’t put a foot, nay, a toe wrong today.
August 22nd, 2009 at 20:19
@Grognard: Grognard….how can you say carrick should have started over scholes after that performance?? Scholes never stopped moving the whole game and was spitting the ball all over the field constantly moving to find other passes and opening up for other people…i’m not saying scholes is always good but with the energetic passing he was doing today how can you say carrick should have started?? What do you see in carrick other than somebody who stands in the center circle all game and never leaves it??? while making an occasional brilliant ball.
August 22nd, 2009 at 20:35
@vnikosv: Ah come on, foster was very solid today, like nico said he didnt put a toe wrong.
I think some people judge him too harshly tbh, if edwin produced exactly the same performance in goal then he would have been world class today but when foster does the same they say hes doing something wrong, when they wouldnt think anything of it if it was edwin.
Seriously credit where credits due, foster was solid today and he deserves the praise, if he does something bad then we can change our opinion on it, really though today there should be nothing but praise lavished upon him.
August 22nd, 2009 at 20:46
now we should ask Grog to give the ratings to all the keepers…
When Fergie is saying that Foster will start for England in next world cup then who r we to judge???
I SAF tells something,then it is the universal fact
August 22nd, 2009 at 21:03
SkySports r reporting that SAF has made an offer of 35 million + Nani for david villa
August 22nd, 2009 at 21:11
@owen: dont believe it
August 22nd, 2009 at 21:40
I doubt people will understand my post, but here goes…
I am extatic over the 5-0 result. I’m glad the team finally showed up, especially our strikers. Rooney and Berbatov truly had great games (especially Berbatov).
Thing is, I am quite sad today. Those who have seen “The Butterfly Effect” might understand…this is a defining moment in our season. This is the day that Fergie believes his tactics/selections/squad is right and that we have nothing to fear. If we lost or drew, maybe he would have done some introspection/inspection, but alas.
Our goalkeeper had an excellent game. Still can’t deal with back-passes, but did everything else very well.
Our strikers had a very good game. A bit wastefull in the first-half, but created a lot. Their first half performance was a revelation to me as to why Rooney and Berbatov will never become a formidable partnership. They both played great and created chances, but it’s like both of them were the same person and needed a finnisher to complete their package. Good game nevertheless.
Our defense is a bit worrying. Very shaky. Vidic really is world-class. I mean it, he really is world-class.
Midfield – ah, midfield…
people say Anderson is shit. Well, right or wrong, you have to admit that Scholes AND Fletcher is even worse. We had no midfield today. No vision whatsoever (and no, the occasional overhit long-ball pass amid a flurry of back/sideway passes does not constitute vision or creativity). I know Scholes is a creative player, but I believe his age has turned him into a very cautious player. So cautious, he borders on boring.
Consider the following mathematic equation: ‘J.S. Park’ – ‘falling on his ass’ = ‘Fletcher’ . Need I say more.
Gibson, well, he has a very sweet shot. He has a wonderful shot. He has possibly the best shot of all midfielders in the PL. Possibly Europe. Regardless, that’s it. He has nothing more. I mean it. And no he is not a box-to-box midfielder because that would imply that he can actually tackle, or have good positioning sense, and run with the ball at his feet. He can’t.
If it were not for the energy of our wingers (Valencia especially, who incidently made more takles than all 3 our CMs combined), we would have been completely overrun. I agree with the belief that that area is where our problem lies. Problem is, Fergie doesn’t.
One final thought I am pondering on…where exactly are all the youngsters whose year this is?
August 22nd, 2009 at 22:07
@Karl:
@Grognard:
I think it is interesting how people see different things on the field…yes Rooney was immense Berba was good..but my MOTM…Darren Fletcher…he was IMMENSE…this guys cleans up everything..he is everywhere…in fact I will just call him Fletcherinho…as a forward myself I appreciate the “Water-carrier” type players…do you know Berba’s goal was all Fletcher and Scholes? Fletch made a brillian diagonal run accross the box clearing space for berba and Scholes lifeted delicately into space where Berba finished with two great pieces of skill…its funny though how people just see Berba’s finish and don’t realize how he got that huge space….I’m not raving about our midfield..I’m just saying Fletcherinho is our best midefielder and has really stepped up…what we lack is a complimentary playmaker..Scholes did a decent job today but he can’t do it every game…my hunch is Fergie will rotate Scholes, Giggs and Anderson in that role until Llajic comes in Jan…Petrucci is too young and unproven still but he is also a playmaker…but as for the holding mid…Fletcher owns that role until Carrick/Hargreaves can grab it from him. Nani…today immense…people want to see Nani do all sorts of flicks and tricks…the boy is most effective when he creates space out wide, draws defenders in and plays balls as crosses to the strikers or into onciming mids…he did a great job of that today…I am very encouraged by Nani..he isn’t pouting when he loses the ball..he gets up gets on with it and is even tracking back…the time for tricks will come..but today he was great…the only player for me who should not play is Big Nev…he didn’t have much to do in the secnd half but he still has the knack of lumping shocking balls forward..you can see people like Berba looking at him wondering what he is doing…he had a couple of useful clearances in the second half but for me his is too slow and he causes too many fouls near our box…I would shudder to see him face a Walcott or a SWP or Lennon who would skin him alive…Vida immense…you can just see the opposing attackers just fear him…he is so strong in the tackle and sure he adds stability back there even more than Rio…Foster good game but I’m getting the feeling if he can just avoid making stupid mistakes and get a run of games he can be this keeper that Fergie keeps raving about that nobody really sees yet…
August 22nd, 2009 at 22:23
@owen: Wont happen… Stupid reporters just making up more shit.
Nani is a God right now, and will win us the Champions League in Madrid 2010. 
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:11
We won because Scholes and Fletcher had really good games and were close to the top of their game. It just shows you what can be achieved when you control the midfield. Berbatov and Rooney got a lot more chances and we got some play on the wings. But we won the game in central midfield.
Credit to Rooney and Berbatov as well. I think Berbatov does much better dropping deeper and Rooney is showing all the signs of turning into a number 9: 3 goals in 4 games and he’s finally learnt how to head. But they got so much more of the ball because we controlled the midfield.
Wigan have always been a club we’ve found easy to beat. But it is truly heartening to see us destroy a team. I cannot remember our last cricket score but it is exactly the response we needed AND all three of our strikers got on the team sheet. A perfect day.
The same problems will continue to haunt us throughout the season and this is a Wigan outfit who lost to Wolves FFS. But there are a lot of positives from this performance and it was a great response from the boys and with two wins in three games it is a decent start for us.
Now the negatives:
Fletcher and Scholes cannot play like that every week and the other options are really disappointing. Carrick has an annoying tendency towards mediocrity. Anderson still has terrible games that hurt us as a team and very rarely shows any signs of being a good player. Giggs is on his last legs and can only turn it on very rarely. Gibson is still very raw and apart from a good shot the rest of his game is really undeveloped.
We needed a lot of chances to score. Luckily our midfield was on song and we created enough chances to easily win the game, and we did. But if our midfield is not on song we aren’t going to get those chances.
The problem is I just don’t see our central midfield playing so well every game of the season, and when it doesn’t we’ll get disappointing results and our strikers won’t get any play.
It is SO essential to get the ball to Berbatov and Rooney because they can make things happen. So Fergie has to somehow manage to get whatever central midfield pairing is chosen to play at the top of their game.
So in conclusion:
Beating any team 5-0 away from home is a great achievement and just shows what our strikeforce can do when our midfield create enough chances. It was a great response and could hopefully give us some momentum to get us through the early part of the season we traditionally find very difficult. But we will play better midfields than Wigan and Im still not convinced our midfield is good enough.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:12
OH and credit where credit is due to Ben Foster. A commanding performance in goal and a second clean sheet under his belt.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:30
Ive been watching the City game and although they were only playing Wolves they were looking dangerous. Adebayor is looking amazing for them and Tevez is looking good for them. In general their movement is really good and they are playing nice football. They should have scored five the amount of chances they created. I don’t see any real weaknesses in their team and it is harmonising quite well. I can really see them challenging for a top 4 place.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:40
@Venu: Fletcher is a very decent player and a true United player thru n thru. His heart and soul is with the club and that must be rewarded as his efforts are always strong. Problem is he is not an exceptional player and my contention has always been we need exceptional players on the pitch in our starting eleven. Having said that, he plays the Hargreaves, Makalele role well and I’m fine with that but he needs to be partnered with an intelligent and highly creative box to box midfielder for things to really start to tick. If people have problems with Owen and Berbatov, I honestly believe these issues would disappear with a strong central midfield because they would service the front end better and would also take more pressure off them. Finally, whatever he does (and I know he won’t do this) but never ever play JS Park again and severely limit the amount of playing time Anderson, Scholes and Neville get. All these players are nothing but liabilities to the club and the sooner some are retired and others are shipped off to New Zealand, the better off the team will be. Nani and Valencia must play 90% of the time for our attack to tick.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:44
@gator: I’m seeing that tomorrow. By the way, just came back from District 9 and I must say it is an awesome film and one of the most intelligent SCI-FI films I have seen in a long time. Truly outstanding and a real sense of symbolism and description of where we are headed and where we have all come from as a species. If you haven’t seen it, trust me, it’s worth the time and money. And after it, you’ll never eat prawns again.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:48
@johnsom33: You’re making me jealous because we get the Prem here in Canada through Setanta and of course they are so broke to expect HD from them is very unrealistic. I’m hoping they all get their shit together before 2010 because HD is the standard now and to no be fully capable in that format is just a joke when the only tv’s being sold at big outlets now are flat screen HD jobs.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:50
Well what a great result coming on the heels of such a miserable start to the season!!
It was almost if the rule of percentages (of missed opportunities) caught up with us in the second half. – with literally everything going in!!
I thought throughout the game we moved the ball quite well, and with the exception of a few stray passes, I thought Fletcher put a stamp on the CM today. He seems to play well with Scholes – the two compliment each others skill set well.
The big story for me was Berbatov. He not only played well, but fought hard and seemed determined to remain viable throughout the game. He made an impact on the game, and his contributions were vital to our success!! Wow I don’t think I’ve ever said that about him yet. I’m hoping this is his “break-out” performance, one to build on and not one in a blue moon! For me, him and Rooney were our best players today!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:50
@AndyCR7: He’s got a lot of pressure on him and he is just letting out a lot of emotional baggage in his celebrations. These players read the blogs and hear the reports and talk about them. His anxiety over not scoring has probably really gotten to him because from what I hear and read, he really likes it at United and does not want to move. He also does not want to sit on the bench.
August 22nd, 2009 at 23:54
@Matthew-W10: Scholes was average at best other than a five minute spell in the second half. Jeez, you Scholes fans really get me. You couldn’t recognize slow and cowardly if it bit you in the ass.
Scholes is done like dinner. Stick a fork in em already.
August 23rd, 2009 at 0:19
@Grognard: “shipped off to New Zealand” hahaha!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 0:40
@Grognard: Interesting. I’m heading out to watch ‘Inglourious Basterds’ later this evening.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:06
@Grognard: I think the Scholes/Fletcher partnership has been our best option thus far. Carrick hasn’t shown up for this season yet and Anderson…… well what can I say!!
Scholes is definitely not the player he was and not the answer to our CM problems, but he does help Fletcher grind out an enforcer role by doing some decent distribution wide and being a shooting threat from 30 yards!
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:22
@Red Ranter: I watched Brad Pitt on the Bill Maher show and he came off as an absolutely down to earth guy with many “normal people” views. Hope you enjoy the movie!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:24
@Karl: Very good rant mate. I agree about people getting a false sense of security after this result but trust me, whether we win 5-0 or whether we had lost 0-5, Fergie the stubborn old cuss that he is would not have done anything before the transfer deadline. He is set in his own ways and does not like to be proven wrong and above all, doesn’t like to prove himself wrong. He only admits to mistakes like letting Stam go years after the fact.
Today’s result was good and encouraging. It was vital to get Berbatov and Owen of the snide and on the scoresheet. Confidence was at an all time low with this current group and they needed this game to recharge their batteries and to make them believe and not lose hope. Next week we play Arsenal. So far the Arse has been the revelation of the season having scored a pile of goals. But are they that good or have they been super lucky? Gallas has scored some of the luckiest goals I have ever seen this week and lets face it, their opponents have been utter shite. What we do against this club will truly define our season. Yes it’s early but we need to do well against Arsenal to shake them up and to further define our belief and our goals.
Unfortunately I no longer have faith in Fergie to pick the right tactics from game to game and above all, I am sick and tired of his useless squad selections. How much do you want to bet that JS Park will somehow make his way into the lineup against the Gunners? I fully expect it and that for me is a problem. Today we had Wigan truly stretched and confused because we posed equal threats on both wings. Even when Ronaldo was around teams often defended us with a plan knowing full well that if Park played, they need only worry about Ronaldo.
The Korean is a major liability to our offense and Fergie seems to never fully realize just how bad this guy is. I don’t care if he defends and works hard. Bring him in when late when you are protecting a lead, not when you are trying to get the lead. Many questions and today’s game has released a lot of stress but Arsenal will be a true window into the soul of our team as well as it’s prospects for the year.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:37
RedRich I agree that Scholes+Fletcher is a huge improvement on Anderson+ Carrick’s pathetic showing midweek. Personally I feel they made all the difference against Wigan as they ensured that we had a direct line through the middle to Berbatov and Rooney allowing them to pull strings and get involved.
But these days Scholes can only produce against teams with midfields as weak as Wigan. So Id only really feel tempted to play him against bottom feeder teams where his distribution is quite handy.
My big worry this season is Michael Carrick. He has consistently failed to show up when it matters and has a worrying tendency towards mediocrity. He also doesn’t really have much chemistry with any of our other midfielders bar Scholes-but even with Scholes he takes on the role of a junior partner. He has been a constant in our success but our tactics are changing and we can’t have him playing so deep yet he seems unwilling to get forward and make things happen.
I would love to see Silva and Fletcher as our midfield pairing. (Of course a fit Hargreaves and Silva would be a dream come true) But somehow I do not think that is going to happen.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:56
@Don: Everybody is entitled to their opinion. You feel it’s Fletcher, that’s fine with me. But at the risk of sounding like a band wagon jumper, I’d bet my savings on more people feeling it was Rooney or Berbatov.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:00
@Redrich: Yes, provided that both Valencia and Nani start. If Park had started I seriously doubt our production would have amounted to much. Fletcher can carry Scholes as long as our wingers are the main guys.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:16
@Grognard, I would rather have a Wesley Sneijder, Silva or even better a Xavi or Iniesta pulling the strings in front of Hargo all season. But you have to play with what you have and seeing how Carrick is being found out in a few games I would rather give Anderson a chance! I agree that Nani and valencia should be our first choice on the wings and Fletcher in the middle [till Hargo is fit,
] the other middle spot could be used to rotate the rest of the players. Seeing how much we have paid for Ando, might as well play him before pawning him off.
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:26
For me, Darren Fletcher needs to start every game of consequence this season alongside either Scholes/Ando/Carrick.
When Hargo returns we can then think of another pairing but tight now Fletch needs to be a constant!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:28
@Grognard: I’m beginning to see your reservation about Park. But to me he’s irrelevant to our prospects, and will not deter from the issue of our CM.
Everyone will concur that when we have control in the center of the pitch for our forwards to score goals! Park being substituted by any other flanker doesn’t have that same impact on us!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:28
@Redrich: I agree. I watched that interview with Bill Maher, and he seemed quite genuine and down to earth.
The movie was incredible. I’ve seen most of Tarantino’s works since Reservoir Dogs and this is right up there alongside Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. I wasn’t too big on the Kill Bills and was a little underwhelmed with Death Proof (far too self-indulgent for my liking) but I loved the flow of Inglourious Basterds. I’d recommend if you like Tarantino’s work. If not, I’d suggest bracing yourself for a dialogue driven movie with a lot of violence to boot.
Nonetheless, a brilliant movie.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:55
Great results for ManU but still not convincing. 29th will tell a lot about what they can achieve this season.
August 23rd, 2009 at 11:46
@Myblog: ManU?
“…oh when will they ever learn?
oh when will they…
ever learn…”
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:42
Oh Man what a weekend! The United fans at Wigan fan-bloody-tastic, even in the 1st half when chance after chance went begging
. Totally rocked that stand, and I mean ROCKED in the full sense of the word. IT WAS TRIBAL! Standing together as ONE for better or worse!
HIGHLIGHTS:-
1. Seeing TWO Wigan players TOGETHER defending Nani out on the wing – FEAR
. If SAF treats Nani with the same kind of velvet gloves and nurturing he did with Ronaldo, that lil man will flourish for us! To you who say that he did little in the 1st half – so you didn’t see the slick pass to Fletcher which if Fletch took opportunity we would have been 1-0 up early in the game 
. You also mustn’t have seen the other 2-3 great balls into the box which none of of strikers took advantage of! And that when he was marked by 2 Wigan defenders, whereas Valencia wasn’t! Nani’s deft pass to Owen that led to an EXCELLENT & class goal. The free kick to perfection which nestled in the oppo net Ronnie style 
. No wonder Barca want this lad, they would set him free to, RATHER than stifle him like United did when we had those glorious moments of SHOWBOATING against Le Arse at OT in his 1st season – when Le Arse players couldn’t catch him, as he played with them on the wing, and so they CLOBBERED him – 
. Set him FREE and let him enjoy his football again, instead of putting any flair and ability in our players in a strait jacket.
2. Berba really fought for us yesterday. The ball wasn’t running for him in the 1st half, but he got stuck in and up to his neck in blood and guts. More please Berba!
3. Rooney’s heading ability is improving, and if the coaches work with him on his 1st touch, he will become bloody brilliant. I do think he appears to have lost some of his PACE though, and is not the most deft at speed with the ball at his feet, and was often dispossed when doing that yesterday. Still he got the 1st vital goal, and his 2nd goal was cute and deceived the GK and defender.
4. Little Mickey has his goal, now lets hope for more such beauties from him.
5. Nemanjah – fucking trojan (take no prisoners) warrior! I think Rio’s body is knackered now, because he seems able to only play 3-4 games at a time, and then he is out again! Johnny Evans is also carrying injury which needs sorting – because he wasn’t able to jump and run probably yesterday without keeping off one of his feet. Wes Brown regardless of some of you naysayers, when fit to me is immense, but he is not avaiable often enough for long periods. I think the full season he gave to us was a freakin miracle one off. Da Silva’s not without constant injury problems either
. We have a strong defence IF fit, but when all have them seem to have these problems, we don’t have as much strength as we think we have.
6. Oh that our MF had MORE steel. More PRESENCE, we would be so fierce and commanding – more winning
. Everyone says that we need AMF to make chances, but we had clear Chances against Burnley, Wigan, AND the Brummies, it was the strikers who couldn’t take them! I feel we still need someone in MF who can TAKE A GAME BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK, boss allcomers, and demand performances from his own team mates. Fletch is not that player, although he has put in good performances for us. Hargo would be, but even IF Hargo does come back, we still need another such player who can alternate games with him. It would be fantastic if Gibson could step up, and make his presence felt. 1st he has to learn to tackle like De Laet tackles and refuses to come out without the ball, and to improve his passing awareness and accuracy. He can’t do that though, without geeting match time more regularly. I think Scholesy did ok to be honest. The problem is, that we cannot guarantee Scholes staying on the park these days, because whereas his aggressive tackling was accepted in the past, it was because he was able to time them more, but now his lack of speed makes him miss the ball and always gets the player. Sad really, but we can’t afford to go down to ten men, which I thought was possible with some of Scholesy’s tackles yesterday!
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:48
@NicoQB: there should be a sticky or need to know section…
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:01
We could pick up Kalou in January on a free… gotta be a better bet off the bench than Park.
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:06
@Traverse: I quite like Kalou Trav – and one thing for sure in his favour – HE CAN TAKE A PENALTY KICK – AND SCORE
.
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:28
@Craig Mc: @Craig Mc: I have always believed Nani to be the real deal. I also believe the coaching staff have nurtured him well despite you belief that he has been misteated at OT.
But now he has to be first choice this season and I believe he will flourish. Superb disguised pass to Owen and free kick, put the icing on the cake 
I wasn’t aware that Barcelona were after him 
I thought Scholes had a good game yesterday (embarrassing tackling apart)and carried on from his game against Birmingham. I also thought Fletcher improved on his Birmingham performance and as a pairing they had a good game in the centre. Obviously the parnership will only be used sparingly but they do seem to have an understanding.
Nice to see Gibson get a run out too. I also believe he has the quality to make it at OT.
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:35
Guys I have two words for you
Kenwyne Jones !!
He is on hell of a player that has so many attributes and talent that can make him one of the best strikers in the EPL.
Super Fast, agile, tall and fit, confident, has an eye for goal, excellent arial ability, wonderful control and first touch, can take on defenders easily, has a cracking shot, strong on the ball and makes holding defenders easy, good positioning, young … the list just goes on and on!
Just look at his first goal against Blackburn yesterday.
And above all he has proved his abilities whilst playing for Sunderland!
Now imagine him wearing the V shirt along side Wazza.
He can be bought at a reasonably fair price considering his future potential.
Also someone named Dwighte Yorke, his national team mate, can play an important role in striking a balanced deal. As well as Keano who was key in bringing him to the EPL. We all know that deep inside both of the former United stars hearts is a soft spot when it comes to Man Utd being succesfull.
I say why not knock that door even if it means having excess srtikers at our disposal. After all that seems to be the norm nowadays especially if we intend to seriously challenge on all fronts. Its all about strength in depth I think.
SAF should really take a closer look at the main oppositions depth to realize that going in the market for a couple more signings would be a sensible thing to do considering we have the money and time. And yes that includes a CMF that we all demand.
I honestly believe Kenwyne is the real deal though. He can also bring in some much needed competition between our front row. I have this feeling that Berba might rest on his laurels come mid season because of the lack of competition for his place in the starting line up. With all due respect to Owen who will most probably won’t start in the more competitve games, and the stars of the future namely Kiko and Wellbeck, I think they will only have cameo appearances this season.
Deep down I think one more signing is yet to come even though the gaffer has confirmed otherwise on several occasions. Hope I’m right.
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:38
After hearing Tevez once again trash talking ferguson today in the press, i was wondering, since alot of attend the games at old trafford, what sort of reception is he gonna get? Craig im looking at you since you frequently watch games at the stadium. I really hope he gets jeered like crazy, but for some reason i have a feeling hes going to be applauded..
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:50
@gubby:
, you didn’t know that Barca and Inter Milan wanted Nani? Wow Gubby, not much slips by you mate, so surprised you hadn’t heard 
. It was all over the press recently, and in the portuguese media – where NANI himself confirmed in an interview with them, that he had been informed about the Barca interest. He did think about moving to Spain at same time as Ronaldo, but he loves Man United – or so he says 
.
Can’t agree with you though Gubby, that our coaching staff have nurtured Nani, because in his 1st season he played with carefree abandon, and flair. Fergie told the lad to cut out the showboating, or he would finish up crippled from embarrassing and maddening opposing defenders
. I loved Nani’s showboating, because to me it is skill, and I loved watching it, as did everyone else on the terraces at OT. Putting Nani in the leper colony last year didn’t exactly prove SAF’s love for Lil man – did it?
August 23rd, 2009 at 13:56
@mike: According to Republik of Mankunia, HE IS GOING TO GET A SHIT reception at OT. They were prepared to give him a welcome back at one time, thinking that United had willingly let him go out the door. When they understood the truth, and Tevez started to vilify and badmouth SAF, and lied thru his arse, that turned Man U fans against him – he is mostly hated now mate!
What has he been saying AGAIN about SAF Mike – please spill the beans
.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:01
@Craig Mc: Nani and Kenwyne on the left. Might work?
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:17
@Nafooy: Kenwyne Jones on the LEFT???? He is a central striker, or supposed to be mate. He is not a bad player at all, but he disappears against the top teams if my memory serves me right. I feel a bit peeved that we let Saha go to Everton, because he was a United type player. He was always supposedly injured for us though, but he seems to be more available for Everton and scores for them, so don’t know what the story was there mate
.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:21
@Craig Mc: I know he’s a central striker mate. What I meant was that he plays as a striker on the left to compliment Nani’s speed with Rooney playing up front on the right and Valencia helping him there. More of a traditional two striker formation.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:25
@Craig Mc: If kenywne does disappear against the bigger teams, then Man Utd will defo make him re-appear agianst the top teams. Lets not forget he only plays for Sunderland bro.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:30
Craig Mc : Saha.. maybe a change of physio’s is in demand then at OT … Hargo, Rio are other examples of a freaky trend.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:43
West Ham 1 – Spurs 0
What a cracker from Cole. Contender for goal of the season. Zola managed to work his magic with Carlton. He has been in top form as of late. Good news for England, bad news for Owen
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:46
more bad news for Owen … Defoe with an equalizer. Cracking game. All under the sharp gaze of Capello.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:51
@Nafooy: Capello should stay the feck away from OT, he is an unlucky curse for our strikers!. Being at the Brum and Burnley game where Michael Owen missed easy chances, because of wanting to impress Capello
. Not at the Wigan game, and Mickey scores a so much more difficult chance. Keep away from OT Capello, and Unitede away games, watch them all on TV 
.
August 23rd, 2009 at 14:55
@Craig Mc: As true as it may be, this theory behind Owen joining Man Utd to revive his England position will always haunt Owen regardless of whether Capello is watching from the stands or on TV. It remains to be the underlining factor for Owen’s motives in joining Man Utd, above all else!
August 23rd, 2009 at 16:54
@Venu: Sorry I’mnot in to giving chances. Man Utd isn’t a charity. There is something major always at stake and so sacrificing potential victory so that you can give disappointments chance after chance to show there stuff and finally wake up is not what we are all about. That’s what Wigan, Reading, Wolves and Burnley are all about. If a player needs to improve his game and get time on the pitch to do it, loan him out because as long as he is a liability to us and as long as he doesn’t cut the mustard with us, he has no business with United.
I personally am fed up with Anderson. Sure his free kick goal was nice this pre season but that is all I saw. I saw no improvement in his overall game. He still panics and lacks the composure to finish during a game and he has poor decision making elements to his overall package that just infuriate me. The problem is that every once in a while he pulls off a gem play like a great dribbling run or through ball that just makes you wonder if just maybe, he’s finally coming around. But then he suits up for the next game and comes out and stinks up the joint. People say he is inconsistent. I say he is consistent, consistently mediocre. He’s not terrible, he’s just bland, ordinary and not Manu Utd class.
I’m often asked by people on this blog and even some of my close friends who read it why I am so down and venomous towards Fergie after all his great years and accomplishments? It’s because for the life of me I cannot recall a time in his 20 years with the club that we possessed such a pedestrian and untalented midfield like what we presently have. And for him to not see all the warning signs, to not learn his lesson after the Barcelona debacle and to continually believe in this band of underachievers and senior statesmen is beyond believe and beyond my tolerance level. I cannot stomach it.
I am used to watching Ronaldo, Beckham Keane, Ince, a young Giggs and Scholes, Robson etc etc etc play in thos midfield roles. Not the likes of the woefully ordinary bland and incredibly inconsistent Carrick, or Anderson, or the incredibly inept and useless Park and the average but decent Fletcher. Of all the midfielders I love Nani and like Valencia and Fletcher as I feel they belong and have value. Sure I still love and always will consider Giggs one of my favorites but he is a bench player now due to his age. But Scholes for me is just finished. Anderson and Carrick have never even gotten started. Anderson seems to have nothing going on upstairs and Carrick looks like he has nothing going on in the region of the heart. Just my opinion. So that leaves Fletcher as the only viable option in our midfield and the only player in the central midfield that I trust to put out there on a game by game basis.
I also suffer from extreme jealousy. I watch teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and especially Barcelona parade out incredible midfields and with players I have coveted and dreamed of wearing United red. Players like Ballack, Arshavin and Essien that we could have had and others like Gerrard, Fabregas, Xavi, Keita, Toure and Iniesta that I just dream about and envy their clubs for having. Barcelona paraded out this incredible midfield last season and we had Anderson, Park and the comatose Michael Carrick to parade out and scare the world with. And we got just what we deserved in the final didn’t we.
Apparently Fergie wasn’t watching though and he feels that things would have been different had we been able to start Fletcher and the missing mythical lord and master of Middle Earth known as Owen Hargreaves. Just arrogance and blind thinking I say. Those players are not Xavi and Iniesta and that is the problem. Until we can field a midfield that has a at least one player who is like that, we are screwed. Sneijder, Silva, Hernanes are all examples of what I mean. I’ll settle for Fletcher as the holding midfielder. He works hard and is pretty good but he needs a partner with skill, box to box ability and imagination and vision.
August 23rd, 2009 at 16:57
@Grognard: Any thoughts on Kenywne Jones?
August 23rd, 2009 at 16:58
@Redrich: I agree 100% but never underestimate how much he derails our attacking game no matter who is manning the midfield. Yes the center of midfield is our most pressing concern. My previous long reply to Venu points out my concerns, but Park must not start unless he shows up for a road game in Europe against a top opponent with a strong winger. He is a liability and he derails our attack. Nobody fears him and so they concentrate or double other players because of him.
August 23rd, 2009 at 17:04
@Red Ranter: I’m going to see it in three hours. I disagree about Kill Bill though. I think that those two movies combined are a master class in over the top film making and highly entertaining and great visual eye candy as the cinematography and set designs were just stunning. I for one was never a big fan of Pulp Fiction. Not a bad film but just not my cup of tea. I think it’s because like Tom Cruise, Travolta is an actor I cannot stomach. I also am not a Brad Pitt fan. Not a bad actor but I have a problem with pretty boy actor as I cannot take them to seriously. He is near 40 now and yet he still looks like he just came out of high school. That brat pack image is still burned into my sub conscious I guess. Still, I am a WW2 buff and I am looking forward to this fantasy version of a Dirty Dozen style revenge flick
August 23rd, 2009 at 17:23
@Nafooy: Not really. I think he is a decent player and all but I don not feel that he is United class. With that said I’d say a third of of our starting lineup or more is not United class. Also, call me old fashioned and intolerant but Ihate, absolutley hate players with he long dreads. One day the black man will wake up and realize that there was a decade in pop culture that they fell for a s fashion statement that ruly made most of them all look like bloody clowns. Ten years ago everyone of them had to be like Mike (Michael Jordan) and go bald. Silly but it looked good on many. But the dreads, they just look like hornets nest infested with worms. Just unpleasing to look at and i cannot respect a grown man for supporting such a hair style. And I do not care if some take exception with me on that. It’s not racism, it’s just a part of their pop culture that I disagree with. It’s a fad and it sucks.
Jones supports one and for me he is a clown like Anderson. A good player but if I was running a club, short hair or at least well groomed hair would be mandatory. It’s the military guy in me having been brought up by a hard core military father I guess.
August 23rd, 2009 at 17:29
@Nafooy: I like kenwyne, hes done a good job with sunderland who really on the whole are just a pretty average team who create minimul chances, Obviously at united the number of chances he would get would double/triple so im sure his goal record would improve too. Im not too sure what his goal scoring record is like in exact figures, something like 10/12 i think, that could easily get to 20 though if he was here.
Thing is about players like him is he is good but is he united class. Players like darren bent, carlton cole, kenwyne, are all good players no doubt but i dont think they will ever be up in the class of players like aguero, huntelaar, villa etc which are the kind of players we should be targeting now. I would class kenwyne as more of a 3rd/4th choice striker to come off the bench but tbh i would prefer to see the likes of kiko and danny getting their chance before we went out and bought kenwyne.
So overall hes a good player and i would back him to do a decent job with us but compared to other calibre of players i mentioned that we should be going for hes not really one i think we should consider as first choice, good shout though none the less.
Whilst on the topic of buying players theres been rumours of a possible swap between carrick and modric. Swap and £10m their way, dont know about you guys but i would do that deal in 1 second, carrick is a good player no doubting but modric is an upgraded version of him, and being a good 5 years younger than carrick he will improve while i honestly feel weve got the most from carrick already.
Usuaully i would call this deal a non starter but we all know about redknapps love of english players and i honestly feel if fergie offered him that redknapp would seriously consider it. Ferguson im sure still feels that carrick is a vital player for us but watching him ive got to say since the end of 2008 he has looked poor and i dont see his form coming back if im honest. Lets make the trade and already our midfield will look stronger.
August 23rd, 2009 at 18:00
Fergie is bidding for Robben
August 23rd, 2009 at 18:02
Why all this talk about strikers? The Wigan game shows that if we come up against a midfield we can dominate (and sadly there aren’t many of them around) our strikers get plenty of the ball and score goals. Fix the midfield and our strikers will score goals.
We really do need someone creative who can play alongside Fletcher. Carrick has an annoying tendency towards mediocrity especially against big teams. Anderson is just too immature to improve his game and seems to have learned nothing from two years at the club. Gibson could well break into the first XI over the next couple of years but can you really see us playing him against Real or Barca or Juve in the Champions League quarter final, or in a crunch game against Chelsea or Arsenal? Maybe in a few years time but definitely not this season. He’ll get his opportunities-but for now we need someone who can walk into our team and give our midfield a much needed injection of quality.
Personally I think it is good that all the other England strikers are playing well. I don’t want Owen to coast thinking that a United shirt is an automatic passport to the England squad. He has a lot to prove for both United and England and I don’t see him getting an England call up until he breaks double figures for us. I also don’t think for a moment Capello likes the fact he warms the bench for us.
Matt, the Carrick-Modric swap sounds like fantasy. Ferguson has come out and said he really admires Modric as a player. Carrick has sat out a couple of games. So it is a standard rumour-monger trick to put one and two together to make four.
For one Carrick wouldn’t want to move and Ferguson usually likes to have an English nucleas to the side so I doubt he wants to lose Carrick. For another Tottenham do not need to sell.
Having said that I would not be surprised if we made a bid for Modric next summer especially if he has a good World Cup. Naturally we’d have to pay around £30 million for him. But we all know that when Ferguson fancies a player money is no object.
August 23rd, 2009 at 18:06
@Matt: And where did these rumours regarding Carrick/Modric potential swap surface exactly mate??? Is it a reliable source??? I think if SAF wants Modric he should just go out and BUY him as he still has the money reserved for Tevez, and he would just be replacing him in a way? Although I think Modric has more artistry and cunning in his game than Tev-dead!
@Mike – errr mate I heard what Tev-dead had been saying to the press now. That Fergie and United are SCARED of Man Pity, that SAF had no business calling them a small club, and that they were going to prove it, by thrashing us at OT when we play them soon – yeah right, you little fuck, we will be waiting for you. You called for a war, you will get one.
Adeby-WHORE says that Man City will finish higher than Man United in the league, and that they will be the kings of Manchester. They will also be BETTER than any other club, including Real Madrid AND Barca. They must be special he said IF the great players are choosing to play for Man Pity instead of all the other clubs in Europe – hahahahahahahahahaa!
. We believe you Ade- NOT!
What is the guy tripping on? Even he himself wanted to come to Man Utd, but got rejected. Oh and none of the Man City players went there for the MONEY –
August 23rd, 2009 at 18:24
@Craig Mc: No its not reliable at all mate, just heard a few people over on the forum on manutd.com talking about it and it just made me wonder about what anyone thought about if it did happen even though i know its all bollocks.
Modric to me can do everything carrick does but to a higher standard and also he has the advantage at being able to play on the LW or behind the strikers if needed, hes also a good 5 years younger than carrick too.
Its bollocks really i know but i do think redknapp would consider the bid if we did put it forward to them because redknapp seems to just love buying english players and i think he would be willing to let modric go if carrick and a bit of cash was involved. But its just fantasy really, just wondered if people would be up for the swap if it ever did become a reality.
August 23rd, 2009 at 18:56
@Grognard: awww fek man i cant watch it then i own a seafood market and shrimp are our biggest seller
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:00
Modric is the best playmaker in premier league….
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:01
Ancelloti today droped Essien on the bench…..
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:06
@owen: “Ancelloti today droped Essien on the bench…..” … I love where you’re going mate … lets dream on though!
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:11
Please bring Essien Fergie….
Liverpool r close to bringing van der vart
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:14
@Grognard: carrick has always been a slow starter and it was the same last season…he upped the tempo towards the middle of the season and that’s what will happen again is what I think…Anderson has been a huge disappointment but he still has time ahead…we have 5 established midfielders but the area of serious concern is wingers where all we have is nani and valencia(park is a backup at best),against Burnley our midfield was crash site until valencia came in to give some shape…giggs was raved about being the best player on the field but was a complete noshow on the wings leaving anderson looking like a headless chicken…if we do sign Modric(who i dont rate too highly..very skilled but just as feeble..reminds me too much of rosicky)..i don’t think we should give up carrick..just yet
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:22
Craig yeah the Man City players are delusional. Fact is they just have a lot of rejects from big clubs and do not have a single world class player. We have three! Our defence is a lot better than theirs. Our attack is better than theirs. And we tie when it comes to midfield.
But more importantly they don’t have the grit to launch a title challenge. It will be Erikkson all over again-they’ll start strong but lose their way.
Like Fergie says we have to worry about the clubs who have the experience and calibre of players. I can see Chelsea winning the title quite easily because they are the only team without any real weaknesses.
As for Arsenal they lack balls and their defence is going to be shaky and they are vulnerable to injuries. Liverpool will miss Alonso and they are also vulnerable to injuries. As for us we have a deep squad but our midfield is crap. So I think it will be an interesting contest for second place.
So I do not think it is a case of us being a great team. (We no longer have Ronaldo to compensate for a dysfunctional central midfield). It is rather that the competition in the Premier League out of the top 4 isn’t that great.
Now if Fergie would wake up and buy a creative midfielder and ideally a holding midfielder to cover for Fletcher then I think we would have a shot at the title, especially if our defence stays fit (as if that is going to happen).
It is Europe Im worried about. Even last season we were unremarkable qualifying for the knock out stages and the main reason we made it to the final was Ronaldo. Now we don’t just have Barca, Chelsea and Liverpool to worry about…Real Madrid also look a lot stronger and Juventus look like an interesting proposition.
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:23
@ RMJ says : Modric is the main reason behind the revival of spurs…
he is a lot more creative than carrick and he scores too….
Any way he will not be coming here…but next season he will be definately on the radars of majot teams like milan,barca etc
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:24
Soloman I haven’t got a Kalou is shit, Jones isn’t fit to clean Berba’s boots.
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:27
Ps we will not sign Essien, Chelsea are wankers not stupid.
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:32
@Grognard: The Thin Red Line was a WW2 film I always thought was underrated and was over shadowed by the highly overrated Saving Private Ryan.
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:38
@Red Ranter: +1 on that review of the movie, big score for Q and Pitt did better than ive seen him do anywhere else. you know rr you could probably have a much more profitable web site if you devoted your linguistic prowess towards cineofiles instead of we nerdy internet hooligans.
but please dont leave us 
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:44
@Natzca: there should be a sticky or need to know section…
+1
at least a link to a wiki explanation or something.
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:47
@Craig Mc: boars head anyone?
August 23rd, 2009 at 19:56
@Grognard: grogy i agree but i think ando is still being stifled by the instruction to play further back than he should if instead of our modified 442 433 we were in the diamond with fletch in the holding role protecting our center halves and ando up front behind the strikers he would show those moments more often. i cant help but think that he is wasting his time and talent tracking balls back to our own goal line. if he were up front the whole game with berba roon nani and valincia i think his talent would shine.
August 23rd, 2009 at 20:00
@Grognard: your in for a treat and i have the same problem with pit… he ruined burn after reading for me idk why he just did i couldn’t believe his character. but terintino pulled what he wanted out of him and it worked.
August 23rd, 2009 at 20:08
@gator: Anderson is crap, all this talk about potential is masking the fact he has not produces, if he was Scholes people would say he is rubbish and is simply not as good as the underrated Gibson.
August 23rd, 2009 at 20:21
I think Scholes still produces better performance than Anderson…
It is still difficutl to win a ball from scholes…
but the problem with him is that he only see the horizontal side of the field…
verticle passes r very less
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:06
Grog – Quote “I love NANI ” –
. So when did this miracle Nani love arise for you then Grog? Last time I checked you thought he was a softie, content to sit on the bench, without a fight 
. You also thought he had not much of a brain, his decision making being piss poor! Aaaaah Lil Man Nani, everyone is coming round to his enthusiasm, and anyone who isn’t, I have one thing to say to you RESISTENCE IS FUTILE 
, so give it up! .
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:14
I just watched the game again on MUTV
. Valencia and Nani were blaze trailing those wings, with Mad Pat and Red Nev backing up with gusto. How come Nani was always shadowed by 2 defenders though, and Valencia only thought to need one defender to cover him? Some times I noticed Nani was surrounding by 3-4 Wigan players 
. Maybe the Wigan lads thought they knew Valencia from training ground when he was their player. Thought they had the measure of him with just one marker – 
– they came unstuck with that one! is cross made the 1st goal for the Roon.
Berba and Fletcher were like men possessed, who had been inhaling helium all day before the game. I think Fletch thought he was playing Rugby, the way he kept forcefully PUSHING the Wigan players full in their backs – it was such FUN being at that game. We need to do Arsenal now, and I will be happy!
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:33
@Grognard: Black men have sported dreads since the begginnig of time. Your right that it is popular right now, but dreads aren’t going anywhere. Dreads are meant as a symbol of black pride and embracing your heritage.
And to clear something up, Anderson does not have dreads. His hair is braided with extension(too be honest it’s a female hairstyle.
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:36
It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lose it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives.
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:42
August 23rd, 2009 at 22:43
Everton accept £24 million bid from City for Lescott.
My God, if Lescott is worth that amount of money Ribery would be a steal at £60 million…
City and Real are ruining football, making it more than a beautiful game and the best sport ever. They are making it Wall Street or sumthing, for fucks sake somebody has got to end this shit!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 22:47
@Footy4Eddy: you know you’d love it if we had that money… even more so because with 24million, we sure as hell wouldn’t be buying lescott. but it shows just how much spending Hughes has to do just to make his team competable with the rest of the top four.
August 23rd, 2009 at 23:08
@owen: I hate you
August 24th, 2009 at 0:02
@Johnsom33: i hear that on the dreads and andersons extensions make me cringe he should just braid what he has. extinsions ARE for females. maby he would shoot better if he pulled them out?
August 24th, 2009 at 0:04
@gator: rio was poor with braids.. without became a solid leader…. brown was a bit part player with them… without made the right back slot his own… anderson with braids aimless wonderer who couldn’t hit a barn door… without? only some time well spent at the barbers will decide!
August 24th, 2009 at 0:37
@Footy4Eddy, Manchester City won’t be able to continue over spending like they have done. They wont achieve what they want and they will be a big dissapointment for player, manager and the owners. It is not easy for them to displace any of the top four teams in EPL.
August 24th, 2009 at 1:00
Didn’t know that Terry Hall was (is) a United fan!!!
Respeck!!!
August 24th, 2009 at 1:05
@Craig Mc: If I lived in England again I would wear a fucking mask. No it’s not because I’m butt ugly, but because everyone is under surveillance!!
What with the fucking CC cameras and the fucking Speed cameras and now the video evidence to try our beloved CB, it would feel like my privacy is being compromised.
What you say, big brother!!
August 24th, 2009 at 1:18
Eddy I agree the transfer fees this summer are just insane. But there is still good value to be found.
Real have inflated the prices of “galacticos” in line with their transfer strategy. Manchester City have inflated the price of the B-Premiership stars-by that I mean players who have done well in clubs outside of the top 4.
If we avoid those two segments of the market we can still find good value. Also by now everyone has realised that City and Real have done their business for the season so we are not competing anymore with them for players so I think we have a reasonable chance of snapping up the stars those clubs have ignored.
For example Valencia have money problems and failed to sell either Villa or Silva to Real for crazy money. While they may be hoping that Real come back next summer for them they could be tempted by the prospect of money now rather than later. If we put in a £30 million bid for David Silva I think we’d have a good chance of success.
But outside of that there are still lots of good players out there. I just don’t think our scouting network is very good. We rarely unearth gems. We pay over the odds for players who do OK outside the top 4 (and like I discussed City have inflated that market segment and that is part of the reason we got ripped off for Berbatov). We also pay top dollar for youngsters that have already been discovered by everyone else such as Nani and Anderson (you could also add Ronaldo but that particularly gamble came off in a BIG way).
I like our “new policy” of looking for good value. But given the mediocrity of our central midfield I absolutely refuse to believe that our scouts cannot identify a single player who could improve our midfield who would be available at a good price.
As for City. Their project isn’t sustainable. Not so much because of the transfer fees they pay but the way they allowed wages to spiral out of control. However I think before they are forgotten they will break into the top 4 for a season or two. Not this season but perhaps the next season. But I never see them winning the Premiership or anything in Europe because they fail miserably at attracting world class players and haven’t unearthed any future stars either-everyone they bought is pretty much playing at full potential.
No disrespect to Mark Hughes but I think they’d be taken much more seriously if the Arabs had managed to get a top drawer manager with more pulling power.
Compare this to Chelsea. Even before the money arrived they had some very good players. And they spent their money wisely on the hottest prospects such as Essien, as well as world class players like Carvalho.
Buying players who were never quite good enough to make it at a big club or be snapped up by one, is never going to win you titles or trophies. At best it can get you fourth place.
So much for wanting to be biggest club in the world. Keeep dreaming City
August 24th, 2009 at 1:41
@colver: I think “good value” is not a term that should be used when talking about United in the transfer market. It really seems to insinuate the idea of “cut-price” or “bargain-basement” or “we can’t afford the top talent”. And when it comes down to United, I don’t want anybody that could be categorized as such.
We have the ambition to become the best team and after Ronaldo’s sale, we should have the money.
If the marketplace determines that the likes of Lescott goes for 24m, then that’s the price it takes to acquire someone of his caliber. Of course, if you want someone better or more valuable to you than Lescott, you’ll need to spend more!
We are not a Wigan or a Portsmouth, or a Liverpool, come to think of it, so why are we so concerned with value and less concerned about talent??
August 24th, 2009 at 3:57
@Grognard: I’ve been thinking a lot, lately, about our down years (perhaps 1969-SAF) and without a real, firm understanding of what issues created this abyss I decided to do a little research about our managers.
These are the combined stats of post-Busby to SAF managers compared to SAF himself.
Winning % – SAF = 58.44, Others = 44.54
Goals scored per game – SAF = 1.80, Others = 1.53
Goals allowed per game – SAF = 0.89, Others = 1.10
Trophy’s won – SAF = 28, Others = 10.
Without question SAF has been the dominant force in recent United history – these stats don’t lie and paint the familiar picture of success we have all grown used to.
I then took a look at the past two seasons to see if there was any validity to the claims that SAF was “loosing it” through age, senility etc., etc. – and I found this.
Combo of 2007/8 and 2008/9 seasons.
Winning % = 67
Goals scored per game = 1.86
Goals allowed per game = 0.64
So in fact, instead of loosing it, he’s actually getting better!!
It doesn’t show the entire complexion of his abilities but certainly the ones that matter the most.
If we were to concentrate our efforts on what it is that ails our team, I do think that it’s the squad of players and perhaps not our manager that need an overhaul.
Why we haven’t delved into the transfer market beats the shit out of me. I can assume this or that and probably one day things will become evident. But to pin our poor performances on SAF does go against every grain of logic as I see it.!!
August 24th, 2009 at 3:59
@owen: Don’t believe everything you read at Newsnow. Look at the source for crying out loud. Is it the Guardian, or SkySports or the BBC? No. It’s a unscrupulous rumor creating blog.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:01
@colver: It’s amazing how the rumour mongers work. They see Carrick is in the dog house so automatically they create a fantasy story to link him with a move to another team. It’s such BS.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:02
@gator: Well I hope most of your customers do not watch the movie because then they will stop eating prawns.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:05
@owen: Oh please. Arshavin, Fabregas, Gerrard, Lampard, Ballack are all better than him and they also have a more physical presence in a game and are as easy to phase out of a game with a shove and a tackle. Modric is light weight entertainment. Put him up against a tough good team and he disappears like the illusionist David Copperfield. Jesus this site is full of bandwagon jumpers of late. Three games into the season and we are crowning Spurs as the champs I guess.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:07
@owen: It’s called rotating. He rests his players too. Obi Mikel needs some time to play and so he gave him a chance. One of the problems Chelsea has had in past years was that they rarely rested their starting eleven. Ancelotti said a month ago that players were going to get more rest because he feels English teams have seasons that are too lengthy.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:10
@RMJ: He’s a slow starter slow in the middle and slow at the end. In fact, you’d have to try really hard to prove to me that he isn’t perpetually slow. Slow starter, slow footed and slow to get the hint. If he doesn’t smarten up and wake up, what I can guarantee is Fergie won’t be slow to put him on the first train out of Manchester.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:13
@RMJ: And yes, we have five mediocre and very average midfielders. Chelsea however have 3 world class midfielders and if you count Deco, Joe Cole, Malouda and Zhirkov, then that would be 7. Our midfield is a joke compared to theirs and Barcelona’s. Arsenal has Arshavin, Nasri and Fabregas, Liverpool has Gerrard and Mascherano who are world class. Who is world class on United? Please tell me.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:15
@Stephen: Actually I think Jones could not only clean his boots, but with that hair, he could buff them and shine them up very well.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:16
@Stephen: Saving Private Ryan was overrated? I think your point of view is overrated.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:19
@gator: Nah. Anderson is being stifled by his lack of talent and his lack of intelligence. He’s a stupid player and he is a very slow and very poor learner. Talent is not limited by the part of the pitch they inhabit. Rooney was not tailor made for LW but he played well there anyway. Great midfielder can play anywhere in the midfield and as far back or as far forward as they need to. Anderson has severe limitations due his abilities or lack of. It’s time we stopped making excuses for him.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:21
@Craig Mc: Craig, I’m not even dignify that with a rant. If you constantly ignore my posts and don’t read all the Nani love I produce, I can’t help you. That’s really really unfair.
Loving him does not make him immune to my criticism. Only Riquelme is immune to criticism from me.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:24
@Grognard: SPR was the very best WWII flick there was.
I was in Normandy 3 years ago, went to the beaches, and the reality of what that movie portrayed made the hair on my neck bristle with fear.
Spielberg is a master of making movies, this was his masterpiece!!
August 24th, 2009 at 4:24
@Johnsom33: There’s no boundaries on bad taste mate. I couldn’t care less about cultural or racial pride. Ugly and tacky is ugly and tacky in my world. Life lesson 101 from the upcoming book titled “The World According to Grognard”. Soon to be a major motion picture.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:27
@Craig Mc: He punched him and deserves to be punished. It amazes me how we can crucify Michael Ballack for sweet fuck all but Nemeanja is an innocent bystander. Remember what I said about being a hypocrite mate?
Still, three cheers to Vida for showing some Keano style grit.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:33
@Redrich: No question about what Fergie has done is not just great as far as United is concerned but he is arguably the greatest club manager in the history of football period. And nobody is questioning his results over the past few years. But look at the way the team is playing. The style of play, lack of pace etc. It’s not pretty and it’s not United football. Our defense has been better than even during the Schmeichel years but our midfield and our overall play would have been considerably different over the past six years without Ronaldo. Ronaldo was a god.
This year Fergie goes through a major transition without the world’s best player, without the energetic Apache and lets not forget, he;s a year closer to 70. We honestly cannot expect the man to perform the kind of miracles without Ronaldo and without spending the money that we got from Ronaldo. It’s just not going to happen. Unless we play Wigan another 35 times.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:41
@Redrich: Totally agree mate. SPR is an immense well crafted and highly emotional masterpiece where the Thin Red Line is nothing more than a beautifully photographed and highly pretentious, overly indulgent poem. Mallick is a surreal and overrated director bloated by his own ego and self importance. I think he must have sucked Kubrick’s dick at some point of his life.
I have never been to Normandy but it’s a must see destination for me on my dream trip which is to visit all the great epic battlefields of Europe. Hallowed ground indeed. I consider myself a military history expert and WW2 is my expertise as well as the age of Napoleon. The opening and closing 20 minutes of SPR are the most gut wrenching and highly charged minutes of violence and the horrors of war I have ever seen. No time there for endless poetry and close up shots of flora and fauna. In fact, I rate Saving Private Ryan as my third favorite film of all time behind the Return of the King and the Godfather. Definitely the greatest war film of all time only because I refuse to categorize Schindler’s List as a war film. I would also rate about 40 other war films above a thick boring film like a Thin Red Line.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:48
@Grognard: Playing Wigan every week would be good!!
But seriously, the role of management can only be assessed over a period of time because of the up and down nature of a teams individual talent. If SAF is directly responsible for assessing this current squad and concluding that it’s good enough to compete in all competitions, I would have to challenge his judgement there.
However I do believe we are dealing with a much more sinister force that just an error in judgment. Its because of this that I try to solely focus on what I see as our weeknesses – ie our CM and our Forwards, and question why, why, why… haven’t these areas been upgraded!?
August 24th, 2009 at 4:56
Well I saw Inglorious Basterds today and i must say it was quite enjoyable even if it is high fantasy and a total butcher job on history. For what it is it is a highly enjoyable and very funny homage to a style of film and a style of publishing that was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s. Tarantino is a very stylish director and he has a n eye for specific types of details, especially when it comes to dialog. Quite graphics and intensely violent yet funny in the way these atrocities are carried out. Sort of like a Zombie picture. For me this film is a homage to the B Movie king Roger Corman. I expected something like the Dirty Dozen but the film is closer to a bad taste and satirical take on the Dutch film Black Book (a film I highly recommend).
This is the first film I have ever liked Brad Pitt in. He has always been like Tom Cruise and Leo DiCaprio an actor that despite his talent, always rubbed me the wrong way. In this film he takes a great comic turn in his character that really elevates the film and makes it highly memorable and very entertaining. I have no problem with the fantasy element and the raping of history as this was an intentional tool of Tarantino’s and he pulls it off well. I do have a problem with the length of the film as he takes numerous scenes and really drags them out far too long. A tighter cut of the film would have been far greater and more Diane Kruger 9preferably naked) would also have been a much needed requirement. Christ she is just too gorgeous. No wonder she got the role of Helen of Troy. She could launch my ship any day.
A great film and a fantastic performance by the German Jew Hunter played buy Austrian Actor Christoph Waltz. He’s just awesome in this movie.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:58
@Redrich: Fergie will do a good job with this team. They will win a lot of games and be highly competitive. But they are not good enough to win the league or win in Europe. And for me, that’s all that counts. When you are number one, I do not believe in rebuilding, I believe in reloading.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:12
@Grognard: Sounds like this flick is worth a viewing.
Tarantino is a bit heavy handed for me, although I loved Pulp Fiction immensely and still watch it with great glee and snickering!
Some of his other efforts, notably the Kill Bill series, became tedious and overly reliant on violence.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:08
@Grognard, I guess you are right about carrick and Anderson in the sense that there’s been more hype than delivery! Lots of fans credited a lot if our last three seasons to Carrick’s arrival too, “steadying the ship” and “drops the ball on a six pence” were popular opinions. I have never been convinced, he is a good player but not good enough for us. Anderson after his debut has been found out, he has failed to improve and in fact after his injury has been worse! We both agree that both are not good enough, but i think there’s more to come from Anderson, he needs to play a few games continuously. I still hope we can have some one come in for him/them and we bring Silva, I just think Fergie’s hands are tied and i would rather see anderson being given more chances than gibson! Hope I am wrong about us not being able to spend though
!
August 24th, 2009 at 6:15
I have to eat humble pie today and officially apologize to ben foster. The guy was immense, he saves we spectacular especially the header that was looping above him, fucking great save. Keep it up ben.
But my main man Berba proved his doubters wrong, the guy was class throughout.his sleek cheeky pass thatt scholes hammered above the goal would have been a contender for goal of the season, but his goal, well that just speaks for itself.
Another player who totally impressed was one darren fletcher.I think without a doubt our midfield conbination should be fletcher and anyone other midfielder, but darren fletcher should always be in the game.If anything we seem to not loose when he is playing.
All in all great performance, one concern though, it seemed like wayne rooney dint want to pass to berba, he was always looking for other options but never looking for berba, hope i’m wrong though.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:21
@Redrich: I personally love Kill Bill and it’s my favorite Tarantino flick (I consider the two one log movie split in two in order to make money). I love the violence when it is done with style and a sense of humor. What I love about his films is the great dialog but sometimes his scenes run too long and get too wordy and for me that’s a bit self indulgent. Still, Basterds is a fun summer flick, not to be taken too seriously but full of merit nevertheless. Although Hitler would disagree by saying NEIN NEIN NEIN NEIN NEIN NEIN.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:27
@Venu: I like Carrick but he just seems to possess no pulse most of the time. When he is on his game he is quite good but that is one out of every five games and that’s just not good enough. He occasionally has quietly effective games but all I can say is that Xavi and Iniesta don’t go through a season having quiet but effective games. They take games by the throat and shake them up. Frankly, the best word I can use to describe Carrick is “boring”. Park is “useless”, Fletcher is “bland”, Scholes is “tiresome” and Anderson is “nauseating” as well as “exasperating”.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:29
@spizzy: Don’t be so premature with that apology. I praised him too but I’ll be damned if I let one good game change my opinion of him. Stop being so fickle mate. Nothing worse than a bloke who is so easily swayed and who jumps on and off the bandwagon so much he has to check himself for bruises. Foster has to give me quite a few games before I get off his back and accept him as the heir to EVDS.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:24
@Grognard: There’s no PROOF that he punched him, and it looked very innocous. Also you need to stop calling people hypocrites, and put your own house in order if you want to talk hypocrites. Because you change your mind mate as much as you change your socks – no doubt!
August 24th, 2009 at 8:29
@Grognard: I think it is better if I do ignore your posts from henceforth Grog, that way there won’t be any more petty disputes. Feel free to ignore mine, some people just don’t need to get into debate when they are always at odds with each other it seems. That way everyone else gets a bit of peace on the blog!
August 24th, 2009 at 8:38
@Redrich: Quote – “So instead of loosing it, SAF is actually getting BETTER.” There’s a turn up for the books RedRich? Thanks for showing those stats mate
.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:47
@colver: I agree mate – Man City have played two games, scored an early goal in each and were extremely luck to hold on to win. Blackburn battered their goal, but City GK is excellent I have to say, nevertheless, B’Burn were very unfortunate. Wolves hit the City bar twice, and City were very looked AGAIN not to concede. I am not impressed with what I have seen thus far, but let us see if there boasts, can be backed up with actual facts end of season. Maybe, and maybe NOT!
August 24th, 2009 at 9:01
@Redrich:
, too true mate, too true 
.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:03
hey does anybody know when the next season of IOSS/Special1 TV is starting?
August 24th, 2009 at 9:09
@Grognard:
He gave an incredible performance mate,And if he keeps up that performance then I’ll have no problem with him. Arsenal are next and they will definitely be more of a challenge than wigan, and he should be properly tested by the gunners so Saturday should really tell us what sort of keeper he is. And I’m not easily swayed, I’m just pragmatic and able to change my view if new facts come to light. I’m not saying he’s there yet I’m just saying he gave a good account of himself, why is that you could pat him on his back but when I do it I’m getting swayed?
August 24th, 2009 at 9:14
@Redrich: @Grognard: I agree with your assessment on Inglourious Basterds. I loved Pulp Fiction too, but my problem with Tarantino is his tendency to over-indulge at times. At times it feels like he’s making movies for his buddies (Robert Rodriguez, Eli Roth, Rob Zombie etc) so that they can hang out with a beer and joke about the inside jokes he’s inserted into his movie that no one else will understand.
He is scarily creative, of that there is no doubt, and he just loves movies so much that his movies end up being a gallery of homages to all the stuff he’s seen.
Tarantino’s movies are enjoyable for the dialogues, the wit, specific scenes. My favourites have been Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Kill Bill was fun in parts, I don’t really have a problem with gratuitous violence if treated well (humourously), but sometimes he could get caught up with his dialogues far too much for my liking.
I loved Inglourious Basterds though. Personally I’m not a big Brad Pitt fan – although I liked him in Snatch. He was good in Inglourious too. Di Caprio has grown as an actor, but excels when Scorsese directs him. (He was pretty good in Blood Diamond too.)
Anyway, too much movie talk… sorry got carried away.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:15
@Grognard: Likewise.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:27
@Stephen: Bro were you among the boisterous rocking brigade on the terraces at Wigan? What a spirit on those terraces, from Wigan fans too, I have to say
. Now the moment of truth against Arsenal eh?
August 24th, 2009 at 9:29
@Red Ranter: Is this a United blog RR, or a movie discussion one ?
.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:32
@Craig Mc: I was there mate, I havn’t been away for a while and I have to say going to watch United away is a lot better than at home at the moment, you get the genuine old school hardcore supporters but in a good way.
Wigan fans are all right, but they only started to boo Valencia in the second half which was odd, am also going next Saturday too, can’t wait I must say I love the Emirates Stadium, it is superb.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:32
Bring back Elliot, the only guy I can think of so far, who has managed to keep a thread mostly ON TOPIC
.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:38
@Stephen: They startedto boo Valencia, after the incident in the 2nd half, when Valencia couldn’t beat his man, and after only being slightly tapped by Wigan defender, Valencia went down like he had been slugged
, Holding his face, and to be honest after what SAF has said about players cheating, feigning injury, he should give Valencia a bolloxing, because he was doing just that. SAF must back his words with actions where our own players are concerned!
August 24th, 2009 at 9:42
@Craig Mc: I agree I hate diving, feigning injury more than anything in football that and imaginary cards are the worst things in the game.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:58
@Stephen: Yeah I just don’t get it Stephen, GROWN MEN acting like PONCES doing a BET DAVIS all over the pitch – what big girls blouses they are – embarrasing prats
. I love talking to you in Manc language Stephen, the foreigners on here won’t understand, Ponce, Bet Davis or big girls blouse probably 
. Then again they might shock me with their Manc knowledge 
.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:02
Stephen the very worst though are those Chelsea bastard cheats, who are so accomplished at cheating, they do it surrepticiously, and behind the refs backs etc. Won’t mention names, but we all know who they are!
August 24th, 2009 at 10:04
@Craig Mc:
August 24th, 2009 at 10:22
@Craig Mc: I agree Chelsea are cheats, they also bully referees constantly but seem to get away with it, as you say we who the culprits are.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:28
Tevez at it again!! This guy is still pissed off with Fergie. i think given a chance he will stab SAF or something during our match! really…when he moved, for awhile i felt that maybe he wasnt treated right but looking back now the asshole had the option of fighting for his place at United, something i WOULD love to see him do at City shortly and then see how he handles his big ego
August 24th, 2009 at 10:32
@godzilla: He has an over inflated opinion of his ability which is misguided and delusional, but that is understandable as he now plays for City.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:38
@Craig Mc: I’m familiar with “ponce” and “big girl blouses”. Although, not Bet Davis.
Kindly care to enlighten us. If you don’t we’ll Google it anyway. 
August 24th, 2009 at 10:41
@Craig Mc: Sorry mate. We do tend to fall prey to our indulgences at times. New post up btw.
August 24th, 2009 at 11:05
@Red Ranter:
, Bet Davis was a very great American Super Star of Olden days – Renowned for her DRAMATIC roles. Hence when we say that a player did a Bet Davis, we mean that they put on a dramatic performance MORE WORTHY of movie greats 
. In the case of the PLAYACTORS and cheats on the football field, this is NOT a complimentary thing to be called 
.
August 24th, 2009 at 11:34
@Craig Mc: Ah! You mean Bette Davis. Of course!
August 24th, 2009 at 18:35
@Craig Mc: Did I expect you to take ownership of that? Of course not. You never see your faults, only mine. I know my faults mate and they are many, but hypocrisy is not one of them. Vidic clearly through an intentional elbow which you so conveniently seem to blink and miss. Meanwhile you judged and sent Ballack to hell for a minor misdemeanor of a foul while calling him every name in the book. Tell me, is there another word I could use to describe your comments? I don’t think so. Just man up and take it like one once in a while and admit you are wrong. I have numerous times but you probably just conveniently forgot all those times. Honestly bro, I like you and all, but you do frustrate me sometimes with your double standards.
August 24th, 2009 at 18:43
@Craig Mc: What the Hell is your problem with me? You and I have gotten along and had a good many laughs over the past two years and now all of a sudden I am in your doghouse? Like I said earlier, ever since you heard you were going to be a dad, you have changed in many ways. Most good I’m sure but your intolerance for me and some others I find very upsetting and very disturbing. But you know what. As much as I care, I don’t, and I’ll tell you why. I promised to grow a thick skin and I am. You don’t know me and i don;’t know squat about you really. So if I am supposed to let you get me allupset and disturbed because you don’t want to be my online buddy, well, that’s not going to happen. Clearly you don’t much care for what I have to say anymore anyway so if you want to ignore my comments, that’s fine. I on the other hand will continue to comment and if you say something that I like or dislike, I will comment on it. If you choose to ignore me, I will respect that and learn to live with it. But let me finally say Craig, it’s fucking cold and mean spirited and that’s that. Perhaps you need to learn to take criticism as well as you dish it out before you condemn someone else to your personal gallows. I’m saddened by your indifference tome but I will go on because my existence on this blog does not depend on you. But remember who was the loudest voice on the blog asking you to come back when you tucked your tail between your legs and left for a bit. I’d call that admiration and respect for you because I cared. Too bad you haven’t got it in you to show the same to me.
August 24th, 2009 at 18:46
@Stephen: That’s fine mate, but you’re wrong nevertheless.
August 24th, 2009 at 18:47
@Craig Mc: This is a community that talks about anything. We often talk about things other than footy with you too mate. Remember? It’s just a case of not letting it go on for too long.
August 24th, 2009 at 18:49
@Grognard: My opinion may well be overrated but it is mine none the less.
August 24th, 2009 at 20:04
@Stephen: Yes it is mate, but it’s still wrong.
August 24th, 2009 at 20:24
@Grognard: You are getting to sound like a stuck record mate.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:56
@Stephen: Yes I am. Stuck on I’m right, I’m right I’m right I’m right…….
Just having some fun with you mate.
August 25th, 2009 at 10:18
@Grognard:
August 26th, 2009 at 10:00